Days-long watermain repair causing traffic delays in Cambridge

Why has it taken days to fix a watermain break in Cambridge? CTV’s Colton Wiens finds out.

A watermain break is causing a major traffic headache for drivers.

Part of the Fountain Street North and King Street West intersection was partially closed around 1 a.m. Friday, and remained closed on Tuesday, as crews continued to work on repairs.

On Saturday, the city shared an update online saying a third‑party utility had been damaged during the repair work and the utility must be fixed before the area can safely reopen.

The city said parts were being sourced, and work was expected to wrap up on Sunday.

However, on Sunday, the city shared another update that said the intersection would remain closed through Monday, as the repair work was not complete.

As of Tuesday, crews were still busy working at the intersection. No one from the city was available for an on-camera interview on Tuesday, but in an email to CTV News, city officials said the repair work was continuing and the impending freezing rain may be an issue.

“With forecasted freezing rain in the next day, we are anticipating repairs will be completed by the end of the day,” Mike Parsons, director of Environmental Services for the City of Cambridge, said in an email. “Depending on the timing of completion paving operations could be delayed by rain.”

Businesses located at the intersection told CTV News it has been a hassle, with traffic rerouting at the intersection, but they haven’t seen any other significant impacts from the repairs. The city said no water has been shut off for any businesses or homes in the area.

Depending on the direction drivers are going, the detours can be tricky, as drivers coming from King Street West can’t turn left onto Fountain Street South. Drivers coming from Fountain Street South can’t continue through the intersection, and drivers coming down Fountain Street North can’t turn left onto King Street West.

The city is asking drivers to avoid the area and use the detour on King Street and Eagle Street and Speedsville Road.

“We are asking everyone to slow down and follow the traffic measures in place to keep maintenance crews in the area safe and traffic flowing as effectively as possible.” Parsons said in the email.

While the repairs are expected to be complete soon, the impending rain could make it take a little longer than expected. The city provides updates to its road closures online.